OCD

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a condition that causes obsessions and compulsions that are difficult to control. For example, you might struggle with intrusive thoughts or repetitive behavior patterns that are very time-consuming or cause you distress. Fortunately, highly effective treatments are available at Smart Brain and Health for patients with debilitating OCD. 

What are the symptoms of OCD?

OCD may cause the following:

• Fear of germs, dirt, or contamination
• Fear of losing control of behaviors
• Aggressive, repetitive, or intrusive thoughts
• Need for symmetry and extreme orderliness
• Arranging canned goods or other items a certain way
• Excessive hand washing
• Repeatedly checking for locked doors or turned-off stoves
• Repeating words over and over silently
• Compulsive counting
• Tic disorders

You might not be able to control obsessions or compulsions despite wanting to because they’re excessive or debilitating. People with OCD may also have anxiety or a mood disorder. 

OCD symptoms often begin during late childhood, the teenage years, or young adulthood. 

Who is at risk of OCD?

OCD risk factors include:

• Family history of OCD or other mental health conditions
• Brain changes
• Certain personality traits
• Childhood trauma

Brain imaging demonstrates that people with OCD typically have differences in the structure of their brains.

How do you treat OCD with MRIs and TMS?

Before OCD treatment, your provider discusses your symptoms and medical history. Smart Brain and Health offers pre-treatment functional MRI imaging to create pictures of your brain and look for irregularities. Your specialist determines if you’re a candidate for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

TMS uses magnetic pulses to target nerve cells in the brain that are responsible for mood control and other functions. 

The Smart Brain and Health specialists use MRI imaging of the brain (“GPS for the Brain”™) to accurately target TMS treatment. They provide stereotactic techniques on a Brain Lab system created for brain surgery but adapted for individualized TMS therapy by the Smart Brain and Health experts. They follow up several times throughout treatment to ensure it’s effective.

You may also need psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, or medications as part of your treatment plan for OCD. 

Schedule an OCD evaluation at Smart Brain and Health by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.